Youth Role Models
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
Climate Activist
Bio
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (age 20) is a climate activist and powerful voice on the frontlines of the global youth-led environmental movement, serving as the youth director of Earth Guardians. Martinez writes and produces music to tell the stories of the issues facing the world. He has addressed the U.N. and was part of Juliana v. U.S., a lawsuit against the government for inaction on climate change. In 2013, Xiuhtezcatl received the 2013 United States Community Service Award from President Obama and was the youngest of 24 change-makers chosen to serve on the President’s youth council. Learn more about him here.
In the News
“The change that we need is not going to come from a politician…it’s going to come from something that’s always been the driver of change– people power, power of young people.”
Special Note: The Center for Youth Political Participation, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University or any of its affiliates, are not directly connected or affiliated with the following individual. This page is to be utilized as a teaching tool for the RU Ready in the Classroom program.